[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 44 (Tuesday, April 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 1998

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, the leadership of the House of Representatives 
have been proclaiming that campaign finance reform is not a priority 
issue to the people of this country. Well I am here to tell you that 
over the Easter break I hosted town hall meetings in almost every 
county in my district. At those meetings a wide variety of issues were 
discussed, including entitlement reform, tax simplification and health 
care coverage. At every meeting I attended the issue of campaign 
finance reform was addressed. When I asked the people in attendance if 
campaign finance reform should be a major priority of Congress, every 
hand in the room went up.
  The message from the public is clear, it is time to change the 
campaign finance system and take big money out of politics. I heard 
that message everywhere I went over the break. I find it hard to 
believe that my district is unique when it comes to this issue. I would 
challenge my colleagues, especially the House Republican Leadership who 
have refused to schedule a fair vote, to ask their constituents if this 
should be a major priority. I think they will see that the public is 
demanding change and it is our responsibility to act now.
  Mr. Speaker, we have avoided this issue for too long. It is time to 
take action. The people of my district will not accept ``no'' for an 
answer.